Exploring For Inspiration

Sometimes we need to take a walk, drive and just explore to rekindle our passion for inspiration which we can sometimes lack due to things happening in our own personal lives. In order to clear my mind and to get back in touch with my creative side, I knew I needed to go out and do some exploring, this time I chose to take a drive and find a location to explore, which wasn't far from my home at all.

This is where I decided to explore, a mile behind my house, which I could have easily have walked to, lol, but decided to drive instead. The views you see overlook Independence, Great Meadows and Godlewski's Farm, part of Allamuchy, NJ. The mountains you see are backing into the Pennsylvania border near the Pocono Region, so picturesque.

After a few minutes I was easily drawn into the beauty of the landscape and so thankful for being able to live near this. The escape into nature charged by body and soul, to feel the sun reflecting off my face like a cosmic sun beam, the smell of fresh cut grass, flowers and the rocky dirt kicking off my shoes, complete with my cup of Cafe Du Monde coffee I brought back from New Orleans and I was in pure Heaven.

After a few miles of exploring, a quick sketch in my sketch book, I headed on back to the car, took a few more pictures and headed home, leaving with a gratitude for life, nature and the blessings God has given me. It doesn't take any money to walk, explore and snap photos, its free to each of us. If you have to drive, go and explore an area that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to be able to do so.

Oh and don't forget your phone and/or camera.On my walk I brought a cup of coffee, protein bar, tissues, knapsack w/water, sketch book, pencils, and charged phone complete w/a camera (Iphone 5), the results the pictures in this post, plus I wore one of my famous football cuffs which are currently traveling across the country.

Go out and explore, you might find something new, get re-charged, inspired and feeling a sense of positive gratitude!

xoxo
Lisa

Exploring Around Piddlestixs
Now that the warm weather is here, the real magic begins at Piddlestixs, located in Historic Lafayette, NJ. Everyday I take a hike around the store visiting the sandy beach swimming lake, streams and scenery which engulfs Piddlestixs and neighboring stores, in the summer we even have workshops outside by the covered bridge and picnic area or on the porch, which is visited frequently from friends and loyal customers.Here is a close up of the Sandy Lake near the store Walking around this area near my store is so peaceful, and feels like you are at the beach for a bit, yet you are in the country and right near my store! In addition there is a volleyball court and fields for sports, how fun is that? Come on by Piddlestixs for a visit soon, explore and leave with some magic!xoxo Lisa

The Frozen Peaks Experience!
By: Lisa Kettell

Recently a Frozen Peeks Frozen Yogurt opened up near my house about 15 minutes away in Ledgewood, NJ. Curious to know what it was, Mom and I decided to take a visit there after the book store and we were so glad we did, its utopia for the Yogurt lover with 24 flavors and over 60 toppings making your frozen yogurt experience an extremely healthy guilt free one or just 1/2 the guilt. 

Create concoctions like the Island Banana which is:
-6oz of Island Banana
-1/4 cup strawberries
-1/4 cup pineapples
-1/4 cup coconut

A cup of the Island Banana is the perfect non-fat, gluten free, probiotic way to a guilt free and delicious treat that is low in calories and high in protein. This concoction comes straight from their website:
http://frozenpeaks.com

Here is the Nutrition Fact Sheet straight from their website:

Frozen yogurt from FrozenPeaks™ tastes good and is good for you. Frozen Peaks features YoCream® frozen yogurt. Unlike some frozen yogurts, YoCream frozen yogurt is made from live and active cultures. These are the good bacteria that turn milk into yogurt and give it that tang. Because YoCream uses a special group of bacteria* that are known as probiotic, our frozen yogurt also provides numerous health benefits. Certified with the National Yogurt Association Live and Active Cultures Seal of Approval, when you come to FrozenPeaks you are guaranteed to enjoy a nutritious, delicious snack, meal or treat that: 

-Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle

The live and active probiotic cultures in Frozen Peaks frozen yogurt promote a health immune and digestive system. 

-Helps Manage Lactose Intolerance

Frozen Peaks frozen yogurt has increased digestibility for people with lactose intolerance or lactose maladsorption. 

-Supports Healthy Bones

An 8 fl oz serving of FrozenPeaks frozen yogurt is an excellent source of calcium – adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet is good for bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 

-Is Good for Your Tummy

Our digestive system contains a number of "good bacteria" that are necessary for optimal digestion. FrozenPeaks frozen yogurt helps maintain a healthly digestive tract.

 FrozenPeaks frozen yogurt is low cholesterol and low sodium, and are Kosher Certified.
 
As some one with a weakness for Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, but who is on a healthier eating regime, foods that can provide an added treat to my diet are always welcome, so if it is frozen yogurt that tastes amazing and allows me to enjoy every last bite without guilt then I am all for it. At Frozen Peaks I tried 1/2 Red Velvet and 1/2 Coconut w/some rainbow sprinkles and it was amazing, mom had 1/2 Cookies and Cream with 1/2 Red Velvet, which I will try next time I go.
 
The added feature to Frozen Peaks is that its self serve, you grab a container, then fill with the frozen yogurt flavor or flavors of choice, then add toppings or leave alone, and pay at counter, which you pay by the weight. I will tell you it is a bit pricey, I paid for what looked like a medium sized container about $6.50, but its totally worth it. If you are looking to stay inside with your yummy treat, you will sit among a Jetson's style decor with orange, green and silver color tones, you can surf the web on their WiFi and listen to music from an ITunes Music box, adding to its unique experience.
Would I go back for another experience? Absolutely! Is it a fun place to meet up with the girls at night? Sure thing! But remember if going on a light date or bringing the kids, make sure you bring enough money or a credit card, you are paying by the weight, other then that, head on over and enjoy the experience.


xoxo
Lisa!

P.S. I took all these photos from my I-Phone, so you can always blog on the go!

Travel Log: Lisa Kettell

Subject: Cherry Blossoms, Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Willowwood Arboretums!

The warm weather has started quite early in NJ, actually our whole winter season has been mild with an abundance of warm days throughout January, February and March with early Spring blooms of pinks, purples and greens, it gets any outdoorsy person a burst of excitement.

With the onset of Spring comes all types of events, Lilac Party at Willowwood, Garden Walks through Frelinghuysen, Mansion in May-Morristown and Cherry Blossom tours in Branchbrook Park, just so much going on in the beautiful Garden State, Yes that is NJ, our alter ego.

Driving all over the state brings the joy of flower trees and chirping birds, buzzing bees and lighter days. Just last week I opened the bedroom curtain and grazed my eyes upon the iridescent pink, white and red blooms of the cherry blossoms which line the front of my home, it was a site for the eyes, piercing blue and aqua skies with gorgeous blooming blossoms all around.
What does one do? grab her camera and capture the moment.
These images brought a warmth to my day, and motivated to create something in bloom, over a cup of coffee and red velvet almond muffins. My next mission to find out when my favorite events will start taking place and to locate my photos from my garden explorations at the Frelinghuysen and Willowwood Arboretums, both located within Morris County.

To start Frelinghuysen plays home to the Frelinghuysen Mansion, and various house structures such as the quaint gift shop located near the parking area of the arboretum, its just too cute and surrounded by the best in garden architecture.As you explore the grounds, you'll find hidden gardens, sculptures and paths leading to the next part, allowing you to believe that you are Alice chasing the White Rabbit in Wonderland, after a few times at the Arboretum you will find your favorite hiding spot, I have about 3 or 4. In the summer, you'll grace your eyes upon more flora and fauna, including whimsical butterflies, dragonflies and perhaps a fairy of two.But don't use up all your free time in one spot this coming Spring and Summer, as there is another arboretum waiting your arrival called: Willowwood Arboretum, a hidden gem filled with garden treasures, they also play host to the Annual Lilac Party which benefits the foundation. Its a wonderful event that is hosted every May and will definitely put you in a Spring mood. If you can't attend the party, explore the grounds and take in the breathtaking views surrounding the whole arboretum, its like stepping foot into a magical world somewhere in Europe. The lush golds, greens and hints of color make for a picture perfect opportunity anytime.I have explored various portions of Willowwood and have captured as many magical moments as I could, inspiring me to write several short stories. After leaving Willowwood I head for a cup of coffee and gourmet pastry and reflect on my day.
If you have never been to our beautiful Garden State of New Jersey, please consider it, we have so much to offer and so many places to explore. I'll be back soon to share more garden adventures and stories.

For more info on Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Willowwood Arboretum visit these links:
www.arboretumfriends.org
www.willowwoodarboretum.org

Have a Springy Day,
xo
Lisa